economy
February 18, 2026
Couple quit their jobs to start a proposal planning business in 2010—now it brings in 7 figures a year
Michele and Marvin Velazquez have spent the last 16 years making couples' proposal dreams come true.
TL;DR
- Michele and Marvin Velazquez started The Heart Bandits after their own engagement inspired them to help others plan dream proposals.
- The company now plans around 500 proposals annually and has served an estimated 9,000 couples.
- Early marketing efforts included flyers, car decals, and online forum engagement, leading to their first client.
- Media coverage became a key strategy, with Michele pitching unique proposals to local publications.
- The business has grown significantly, with both founders eventually quitting their full-time jobs to focus on it.
- New York City and Paris are the most popular locations for proposals planned by The Heart Bandits.
- Pricing has evolved from an initial $300 fee to a current range of $1,649-$2,149 plus costs, or a percentage of larger budgets.
- The company generates seven figures in total income annually, with mid-six-figures in gross profit.
- Social media has influenced the trend towards more elaborate and 'picture-worthy' proposals.
- The founders emphasize the importance of adapting to industry changes and client expectations to remain successful.
- Michele and Marvin attribute their longevity to their ability to 'evolve with the times'.
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